1957 Generator Identification

[rovingscot]

Hi,

I'm getting some worn bearing noise from the generator on my 1957 Thunderbird (D-Code). So I am thinking of either replacing the generator or servicing it with new bearings.

But first I need to identify what generator I have. I am suspecting that this is not a "correct" 1957 Thunderbird generator, but I am not sure and don't know what to look for.

I've attached some pictures, and the label I can see on the upper side of the generator says "HMC 5838 09/14/1999". From the label, I'm assuming a 5838 part number that was build in 1999 (my understanding that is when this car was restored). Looking up that part number, I'm getting hits on that being a Ford generator but not for Thunderbirds. Seems to be a relatively affordable generator.

If what I have is not original anyway, I'll likely just replace like-for-like rather than attempt to rebuild.

Any help on identification would be appreciated. Let me know if pictures from a different angle are needed.

Thanks,

Paul.

[55blacktie]

There are shops that can rebuild your generator and do a good job, but I have no idea if there's one in your area. I wouldn't buy a rebuilt generator or starter from a chain store. If you buy a new generator, it probably will have been made in China or India. If you disclose your location, maybe a forum member can recommend a shop in your area that can rebuild yours.

FYI: You might consider converting to an alternator. If you want to retain the appearance of a generator, Powermaster makes the PowerGen alternator; there's a specific application for 55-57 Tbirds. I bought one, but I haven't installed it. There were at least two Tbirds at Extravaganza II that were so equipped, and the owners were happy with them.

[rovingscot]

Thanks. Yeah, a professional rebuild on the existing generator is also an idea. I'm located in Sonoma, CA.

It would still be good to know what generator I have though.

- Paul.

[Paul T. Amick]

Hi, While looking at the pictures I noticed that the yellow wire is for a passenger car. So,that is the wrong generator backing plate so i would guess that the Generator is not for a Tbird. So, that being said I would order a generator rebuild kit Hill's # 10001-BK (brushes and bearings) $45.00 and the kit to convert the backing plate to a Bird backing plate.Part Hill's # 10211-AS. $22.00 I assume the picture is from your car whitch is a stamped backing plate. The kit for the backing plate relocates the HOT lead (yellow wire away from the block) Good Luck

[ward 57]

That is correct. It is a ford car backing plate. Several have just let it be with no issues if the mounts are good and don't let it move back. The Hills catalog says to call for availability. Mine had the car backing plate with the output post very close to the block but I found a NOS on Ebay and it came with the brushes. They are super easy to rebuild and CASCO has a kit to convert the end plate to fit the T-Birds configuration. But pull it apart first as the newer end plates are not convertible as the brush mounts are riveted on. Even though the rest of the generator is very common and fits almost every Ford. That's why I went shopping for a proper end plate as I ordered the conversion kit before I pulled it apart.
Apparently many shops just found it easier to pull a generic generator off the shelf and sold it as a rebuilt generator generating more profit instead of just taking the time to rebuild the original when all they would need is new brushes, springs and the sealed bearings.

[rovingscot]

Yes, those pictures are from my specific car / generator setup.

Interesting. I'd noticed that terminal post was rather close to the block, but did not know it was the live wire. Presumably this has been on the car like that since the restoration in 1999 and has not been an issue (I hope I did not just curse it). That being said, it sounds like it would be prudent to fix it if I am taking the generator out anyway. And who is to say that replacing it with a like-for-like (incorrect) new one would not have slightly different tolerances.

(Alas, I just placed an order with Hills earlier today that has already shipped -- i should have waited to see how this thread evolved!).

Paul.

[ward 57]

If they had the proper end plate you should be good to go. Mine came with the brushes & springs installed so all I had to do then was replace the bearings.
I will say that I'm sure the generator cases for many years and models were the same. Just the end plates were different.

[paul2748]

The end plate and the fan assembly were different on birds vs sedans. I cannot see the fan assembly on the front so I cannot tell what you have. The space between the pulley and the fan is very short on a bird, wider on a sedan. If you have no belt alignment problems, you probably have the correct fan assembly.

A second look at the belt and fan assembly looks like you have the correct one.

[ward 57]

Most likely. The end plate we are talking about is at the back end where the brushes and commutator are.

[rovingscot]

Noted on all the comments and thanks for the input. The pulley / fan belt all seem to line up OK. Here are some additional pictures.

- Paul.

[paul2748]

Yes - you have the correct front pulley/fan

[ward 57]

Yes it's correct. After you pull it off, Clean it up and paint the body. I even went to the extent of pulling the fan, cleaning and spray cad plating it. It doesn't stand out like chrome but looks original. Once I refurbished mine I stuck the proper decal on it. Just one small piece of keeping it as close to original, functional and not overdoing it. I always go for authentic.
The look is coming back.